Increased intake of carbohydrates from sources with a higher glycemic index and lower consumption of whole grains during puberty are prospectively associated with higher IL-6 concentrations in younger adulthood among healthy individuals

Cohort profile update-overview of over 35 years of research in the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study

PURPOSE

To provide an update on the cohort profile of the DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study, including objectives, study design, methods and description of the comprehensive data pool, as well as to summarize the most important research findings of recent years.

METHODS

In 1985, the open (dynamic) cohort started to collect information on diet, growth, development, and metabolism of healthy children and adolescents in Dortmund, Germany. Detailed data are collected annually during infancy, childhood, and adolescence of the participants, including a 3-day weighed dietary record, a 24-h urine sample, anthropometric and medical examinations as well as interviews on lifestyle.

RESULTS

Even if the basic examination modules have not changed since the start over 35 years ago, the DONALD study has been continuously further developed by introducing new modules. As such, participants are also invited for follow-up examinations during adulthood since 2005, including an additional fasting blood withdrawal. Overall, 2375 (♂: 1177; ♀: 1198) participants were recruited in the DONALD study between 1985 and 2022. Data from ~ 30,700 anthropometric measurements, ~ 19,200 dietary records, ~ 10,600 24-h urine and ~ 1300 blood samples are available from an observation period of over 35 years.

CONCLUSION

The DONALD study provides a large data pool for longitudinal studies on nutrition, growth, and health in childhood and adolescence, its impact on the development of diseases in early adult life as well as dietary intake trends over more than three decades.

The association between dairy intake in adolescents on inflammation and risk markers of type 2 diabetes during young adulthood: results of the DONALD study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this analysis was to investigate whether habitual intake of total dairy (TD) or different dairy types (liquid, solid, fermented, non-fermented, low-fat, high-fat, low-sugar and high-sugar dairy) during adolescence is associated with biomarkers of low-grade inflammation as well as risk factors of type 2 diabetes in young adulthood.

DESIGN

Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate prospective associations between estimated TD intake as well as intake of different types of dairy and a pro-inflammatory score, based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-18, leptin and adiponectin, and insulin resistance assessed as Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance in an open-cohort study.

SETTING

Dortmund, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from participants (n 375) of the DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study were included, for whom at least two 3-d weighed dietary records during adolescence (median age: 11 years) and one blood sample in young adulthood (>18 years) were available.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant association between TD intake or intake of any dairy type and the pro-inflammatory score (all P > 0·05). TD intake as well as each dairy type intake and insulin resistance also showed no association (all P > 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

The habitual intake of dairy or individual types of dairy during adolescence does not seem to have a major impact on low-grade systemic inflammation and insulin resistance in the long term. There was no indication regarding a restriction of dairy intake for healthy children and adolescents in terms of diabetes risk reduction.

Burgers, Fast Foods, and Increased Associated Risk for Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Dietary Habits among Young Chinese Adults in Singapore/Malaysia

BACKGROUND

We see increasing evidence that dietary and nutrients factors play a pivotal role in allergic diseases and recent global findings suggest that dietary habits influence the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Frequent consumption of fast food diets is associated with AD development. Despite the rising prevalence of AD in Asia, efforts in investigating the role of dietary habits and AD in adults are still lacking.

METHODS

We evaluated the association between the dietary intake of 16 food types and AD manifestations using our Singapore/Malaysia Cross-sectional Genetics Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) population. Dietary habits profiles of 11,494 young Chinese adults (1,550 AD cases/2,978 non-atopic controls/6,386 atopic controls) were assessed by an investigator-administered questionnaire. AD cases were further evaluated for their chronicity (550 chronic) and severity (628 moderate-to-severe). Additionally, we derived a novel food index, Quality of Diet based on Glycaemic Index Score (QDGIS), to examine the association between dietary intake of glycaemic index (GI) and various AD phenotypes.

RESULTS

The majority of AD subjects are distributed in the good (37.1%) and moderate (36.2%) QDGIS classes. From the multivariable analyses for age and gender, a moderate QDGIS class was significantly associated with a lower odds of AD (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.844; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.719-0.991; p < 0.05) and moderate-to-severe AD (AOR: 0.839; 95% CI: 0.714-0.985; p < 0.05). A good QDGIS class was only significantly associated with a lower odds of chronic AD (AOR: 0.769; 95% CI: 0.606-0.976; p < 0.05). Among high GI foods, frequent consumption of burgers/fast food was strongly associated with an increased risk of chronic and moderate-to-severe AD. Among low GI foods, increased intake frequencies of fruits, vegetables, and pulses decreased the odds of AD. Finally, we identified significant associations between frequent seafood, margarine, butter, and pasta consumption with an increased odds of AD despite them having little GI values.

CONCLUSION

While genetic components are well-established in their risks associated with increased AD prevalence, there is still a lack of a focus epidemiology study associating dietary influence with AD. Based on the first allergic epidemiology study conducted here in Singapore and Malaysia, it laid the groundwork to guide potential dietary interventions from changing personal dietary habits.

Health relevance of lowering postprandial glycaemia in the paediatric population through diet': results from a multistakeholder workshop

To summarize current knowledge and gaps regarding the role of postprandial glycaemic response in the paediatric population, a workshop was organized in June 2021 by the European branch of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI). This virtual event comprised of talks given by experts followed by in-depth discussions in breakout sessions with workshop participants. The main pre-specified topics addressed by the workshop organizing committee to the invited speakers and the workshop participants were: (1) the role of glycaemic responses for paediatric health, based on mechanistic insights from animal and human data, and long-term evidence from observational and intervention studies in paediatric populations, and (2) changes in metabolism and changes in dietary needs from infancy to adolescence. Each talk as well as the discussions were summarised, including the main identified research gaps. The workshop led to the consensus on the crucial role on health of postprandial glycaemic response in paediatric population. However, a lack of scientific data has been identified regarding detailed glucose and insulin profiles in response to foods commonly consumed by paediatric populations, as well as a lack of long-term evidence including the need for suitable predictors during childhood and adolescence to anticipate health effects during adulthood.

Cereals as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Anti-Hypertensive Activity and Their Intake in Times of COVID-19

Cereals have phytochemical compounds that can diminish the incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) participates in the modulation of blood pressure and is the principal receptor of the virus SARS-CoV-2. The inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the block receptors of angiotensin II regulate the expression of ACE2; thus, they could be useful in the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The inferior peptides from 1 to 3 kDa and the hydrophobic amino acids are the best candidates to inhibit ACE, and these compounds are present in rice, corn, wheat, oats, sorghum, and barley. In addition, the vitamins C and E, phenolic acids, and flavonoids present in cereals show a reduction in the oxidative stress involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The influence of ACE on hypertension and COVID-19 has turned into a primary point of control and treatment from the nutritional perspective. The objective of this work was to describe the inhibitory effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme that the bioactive compounds present in cereals possess in order to lower blood pressure and how their consumption could be associated with reducing the virulence of COVID-19.

International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Reliable tables of glycemic indexes (GIs) and glycemic loads (GLs) are critical to research examining the relationship between glycemic qualities of carbohydrate in foods, diets, and health. In the 12 years since the last edition of the tables, a large amount of new data has become available.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and tabulate published and unpublished sources of reliable GI values, including an assessment of the reliability of the data.

METHODS

This edition of the tables lists over 4000 items, a 61% increase in the number of entries compared to the 2008 edition. The data have been separated into 2 lists. The first represents more precise values derived using the methodology recommended by the International Standards Organization (∼2100 items). The second list contains values determined using less robust methods, including using limited numbers of healthy subjects or with a large SEM (∼1900 food items).

RESULTS

Dairy products, legumes, pasta, and fruits were usually low-GI foods (≤55 on the 100-point glucose scale) and had consistent values around the world. Cereals and cereal products, however, including whole-grain or whole-meal versions, showed wide variation in GI values, presumably arising from variations in manufacturing methods. Breads, breakfast cereals, rice, savory snack products, and regional foods were available in high-, medium-, and low-GI versions. Most varieties of potato were high-GI foods, but specific low-GI varieties have now been identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of new data on the GIs of foods will facilitate wider research and application of the twin concepts of GI and GL. Although the 2021 edition of the tables improves the quality and quantity of GI data available for research and clinical practice, GI testing of regional foods remains a priority. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO as #171204.

A lifestyle pattern during adolescence is associated with cardiovascular risk markers in young adults: results from the DONALD cohort study

Lifestyle score approaches combining individual lifestyle factors, e.g. favourable diet, physical activity or normal body weight, showed inverse associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, research mainly focussed on adult behaviour and is scarce for vulnerable time windows for adult health like adolescence. We investigated associations between an adolescent lifestyle score and CVD risk markers in young adulthood. Overall, we analysed 270 participants of the open DONALD cohort study with 1–6 complete measurements of five lifestyle factors (healthy diet, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep duration and BMI standard deviation score) during adolescence (females: 8⋅5–15⋅5 years and males: 9⋅5–16⋅5 years). Multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the prospective association between the adolescent lifestyle score (0–5 points) and CVD risk markers in young adulthood (18–30 years). On average, participants obtained a mean adolescent lifestyle score of 2⋅9 (0–5) points. Inverse associations between the adolescent lifestyle score and waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and percentage of body fat were observed (4⋅1, 4⋅1 and 9⋅2 % decrease per 1 point increase in adolescent lifestyle score, respectively, P < 0⋅05). For the remaining CVD risk markers (glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure and a proinflammatory score), no associations were observed. A healthy adolescent lifestyle is particularly associated with CVD risk-related favourable anthropometric markers in adulthood. A more comprehensive understanding of lifestyle patterns in the life course might enable earlier, targeted preventive measures to assist vulnerable groups in prevention of chronic diseases.

The association between interleukin-6 promoter polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis by ethnicity: A meta-analysis of 33 studies

OBJECTIVE

We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter polymorphism (-174 G>C, -572 G>C, and -597 G>A) have on the development rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ethnicity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, EBSCO, LILACS, and Scopus databases were searched for studies exploring the association between any IL6 polymorphisms and RA until November 2018. Genotype distributions were extracted and, depending on the level heterogeneity, determined by the ψ²-based Q test and the Inconsistency Index (I²), fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for the heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic genetic models.

RESULTS

From 708 identified publications, 33 were used in this analysis. For the -174 polymorphism, Asians (OR_heterozygous=7.57, 95%CI: 2.28-25.14, OR_homozygous=5.84, 95%CI: 2.06-16.56, OR_dominant=7.21, 95%CI: 2.30-22.63, OR_recessive=5.04, 95%CI: 1.78-14.28, OR_allelic=6.60, 95%CI: 2.26-19.28, p<.05) and Middle East countries (OR_heterozygous=2.30, 95%CI: 1.10-4.81, OR_dominant=2.27, 95%CI: 1.22-4.22, OR_allelic=2.29, 95%CI: 1.24-4.23, p<.05) were associated with a significant risk of developing RA. Whereas, for Latinos, the C-allele was associated with a benefit (OR_homozygous=0.26, 95%CI: .08-.82, OR_recessive=.25, 95%CI: .08-.80, p<.05). For the -572 polymorphism, Asians demonstrated a significant association for the homozygous and recessive genetic models (8 studies, OR_homozygous=1.56, 95%CI: 1.16-2.09, OR_recessive=1.63, 95%CI: 1.08-2.45, p<.05). For the -597 polymorphism, no association was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, the -174 G>C polymorphism increased the risk of developing RA in Asians and Middle East populations. Interestingly, for Latinos, the polymorphism was associated with a benefit. For the -572 polymorphism, only the Asian population showed an increased risk of developing RA for the CC genotype.

Higher Serum Bilirubin Levels in Response to Higher Carbohydrate Intake During Early Pregnancy and Lower Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Occurrence in Overweight and Obese Gravidae

Background and Aim: Serum bilirubin levels are recently shown to be a novel protector of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), yet whether they could be affected by carbohydrate quality is unclear. We aimed to examine the associations between dietary carbohydrate parameters and serum bilirubin levels during early pregnancy, with further exploration on a potential mediating role of serum bilirubin levels on carbohydrate parameters-GDM pathways. Methods: 260 healthy but overweight or obese gravidae (BMI ≥24 kg/m2) derived from a historical cohort in two hospitals in China were included. The associations between carbohydrate parameters (total carbohydrate intake, glycemic index GI, fiber intake, glycemic load GL) and serum bilirubin levels (total bilirubin, TB and direct bilirubin, DB) and GDM were evaluated by multivariable regression analysis. Generalized structural equation modeling was then applied to perform adjusted mediation analysis. Results: Increased serum bilirubin levels (mmol/L) and decreased GDM occurrence were observed following dietary carbohydrate intake (%E) and GL (g/1,000 kcal) in highest tertile compared to the lowest tertile [carbohydrate: TB: β = 0.926 (95%CI: 0.069, 1.782), DB: β = 0.554 (95%CI: 0.192, 0.916);GL:TB: β = 1.170 (95%CI: 0.339, 2.001); DB: β = 0.369 (95%CI: 0.016, 0.700); carbohydrate: adjusted OR = 0.43 (95%CI:0.19-0.99); GL: adjusted OR = 0.36 (95%CI:0.16, 0.84)]. The mediating effect of carbohydrate intake and GL on GDM through bilirubin levels was evaluated as modest (carbohydrate: 6.2% for TB, 1.3% for DB; GL: 8.7% for TB, 2.3% for DB). No association was observed regarding GI and fiber. Conclusions: Mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels appeared to be in response to higher energies consumed from carbohydrate during early pregnancy in healthy overweight or obese gravidae. However, the mediating effect of bilirubin levels on carbohydrate-GDM pathways is not evident. Larger investigation is further needed for solid evidence.

COVID-19 and Gut Microbiota: A Potential Connection

Currently, world is facing a global outbreak causing a pandemic threat known as COVID-19. This infectious disease is triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Gut microbiota harbours multi species community with a strong impact on host immune homeostasis. However, our knowledge about this gut microbiota and its symbiotic relationship with immune activation in association with SARS-CoV-2 is limited. Unbalanced bacterial flora with too many opportunistic infections can shift immune system towards a cascade of inflammatory responses leading to multi organ damage. This review will highlight immune-regulation via various mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Diet has an unbelievable influence on gut microbiome that allows a new state of homeostasis to be reached through timing, frequency and duration of intake. This review article focuses on gut, lung microbiota and immunomodulation with specific attention on immune activation by gut microbiota.

Early life factors and their relevance for markers of cardiometabolic risk in early adulthood

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early life exposures could be pertinent risk factors of cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. We assessed the prospective associations of early life factors with markers of cardiometabolic risk among healthy German adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined 348 term-born DONALD Study participants with measurement of fasting blood at the age of 18-24 years to assess metabolic indices: fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), pro-inflammatory score and insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S). Early life factors (maternal weight in early pregnancy, maternal early pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain (GWG), maternal age, birth weight and full breastfeeding (>17 weeks)) were assessed at enrolment of the offspring into the study. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze associations between early life factors and markers of cardiometabolic risk in early adulthood with adjustment for potential confounders. A higher early pregnancy BMI was related to notably higher levels of offspring FLI, HSI, pro-inflammatory score and a lower HOMA2-%S (all p < 0.0001). Similarly, a higher gestational weight gain was associated with a higher FLI (p = 0.044), HSI (p = 0.016), pro-inflammatory score (p = 0.032) and a lower HOMA2-%S among females (p = 0.034). Full breastfeeding was associated with a lower adult FLI (p = 0.037). A casual mediation analysis showed that these associations were mediated by offspring adult waist circumference (WC).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that early pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, and full breastfeeding are relevant for offspring markers of cardiometabolic risk which seems to be mediated by body composition in young adulthood.

Inflammatory mediators in the adipo-renal axis: leptin, adiponectin, and soluble ICAM-1

A lower 24-h urine pH (24h-pH), i.e., a higher renal excretion of free protons, at a given acid load to the body, denotes a reduction in the kidney's capacity for net acid excretion (NAE). There is increasing evidence, not only for patients with type 2 diabetes but also for healthy individuals, that higher body fatness or waist circumference (WC) has a negative impact on renal function to excrete acids (NAE). We hypothesized that adiposity-related inflammation molecules might mediate this relation between adiposity and renal acid excretion function. Twelve biomarkers of inflammation were measured in fasting blood samples from 162 adult participants (18-25 yr old) of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study who had undergone anthropometric measurements and collected 24-h urine samples. Both Baron and Kenny's (B&K's) steps to test mediation and causal mediation analysis were conducted to examine the potential mediatory roles of biomarkers of inflammation in the WC-24-h pH relationship after strictly controlling for laboratory-measured NAE. In B&K's mediation analysis, leptin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), and adiponectin significantly associated with the outcome 24-h pH and attenuated the WC-pH relation. In agreement herewith, causal mediation analysis estimated the "natural indirect effects" of WC on 24-h pH via leptin (P = 0.01) and adiponectin (P = 0.03) to be significant, with a trend for sICAM-1 (P = 0.09). The calculated proportions mediated by leptin, adiponectin, and sICAM-1 were 64%, 23%, and 12%, respectively. Both mediation analyses identified an inflammatory cytokine (leptin) and an anti-inflammatory cytokine (adiponectin) along with sICAM-1 as being potentially involved in mediating adiposity-related influences on renal acid excretion capacity.

The Association Between Interleukin-6 Promoter Polymorphisms and Rheumatoid Arthritis by Ethnicity: A Meta-Analysis of 33 Studies

OBJECTIVE

We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect Interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter polymorphism (-174 G>C, -572 G>C, and -597 G>A) have on the development rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by ethnicity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, EBSCO, LILACS, and Scopus databases were searched for studies exploring the association between any IL6 polymorphisms and RA until November 2018. Genotype distributions were extracted and, depending on the level heterogeneity, determined by the ψ2-based Q test and the Inconsistency Index (I2), fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for the heterozygous, homozygous, dominant, recessive, and allelic genetic models.

RESULTS

From 708 identified publications, 33 were used in this analysis. For the -174 polymorphism, Asians (ORheterozygous=7.57, 95%CI: 2.28-25.14, ORhomozygous=5.84, 95%CI: 2.06-16.56, ORdominant=7.21, 95%CI: 2.30-22.63, ORrecessive=5.04, 95%CI: 1.78-14.28, ORallelic=6.60, 95%CI: 2.26-19.28, p<.05) and Middle East countries (ORheterozygous=2.30, 95%CI: 1.10-4.81, ORdominant=2.27, 95%CI: 1.22-4.22, ORallelic=2.29, 95%CI: 1.24-4.23, p<.05) were associated with a significant risk of developing RA. Whereas, for Latinos, the C-allele was associated with a benefit (ORhomozygous=0.26, 95%CI: .08-.82, ORrecessive=.25, 95%CI: .08-.80, p<.05). For the -572 polymorphism, Asians demonstrated a significant association for the homozygous and recessive genetic models (8 studies, ORhomozygous=1.56, 95%CI: 1.16-2.09, ORrecessive=1.63, 95%CI: 1.08-2.45, p<.05). For the -597 polymorphism, no association was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, the -174 G>C polymorphism increased the risk of developing RA in Asians and Middle East populations. Interestingly, for Latinos, the polymorphism was associated with a benefit. For the -572 polymorphism, only the Asian population showed an increased risk of developing RA for the CC genotype.

Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis

The coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) was announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Challenges arise concerning how to optimally support the immune system in the general population, especially under self-confinement. An optimal immune response depends on an adequate diet and nutrition in order to keep infection at bay. For example, sufficient protein intake is crucial for optimal antibody production. Low micronutrient status, such as of vitamin A or zinc, has been associated with increased infection risk. Frequently, poor nutrient status is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn can impact the immune system. Dietary constituents with especially high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity include vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Several of these can interact with transcription factors such as NF-kB and Nrf-2, related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, respectively. Vitamin D in particular may perturb viral cellular infection via interacting with cell entry receptors (angiotensin converting enzyme 2), ACE2. Dietary fiber, fermented by the gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids, has also been shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects. In this review, we highlight the importance of an optimal status of relevant nutrients to effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby strengthening the immune system during the COVID-19 crisis.

Longitudinal relationship of amino acids and indole metabolites with long-term body mass index and cardiometabolic risk markers in young individuals

Amino acid metabolites in biofluids are associated with high body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic abnormalities. However, prospective investigations regarding these associations are few, particularly among young individuals. Moreover, little is presently known about the impact of long-term high BMI. Using data from the DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed study (111 males and 107 females), we prospectively investigated relations between repeatedly measured urinary levels of 33 metabolites and (1) previously identified long-term BMI trajectory groups from childhood into late adolescence and (2) cardiometabolic risk markers in late adolescence–young adulthood, in sex-specific linear mixed regression models. Males with long-term overweight had lower indole-3-acetic acid when compared to others. Further, methionine, isoleucine, tryptophan, xanthurenic acid, and indole-3-carboxaldehyde were negatively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), but 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid was positively associated with CRP. No associations were observed in females. Long-term overweight from childhood into late adolescence is associated with decreased urinary levels of gut bacteria-derived indole-3-acetic acid, and several urinary amino acids, including gut bacteria-derived indole-3-carboxaldehyde are associated with elevated CRP later on in life. Taken together, our data suggest that indole metabolites, and their gut bacteria producers play potentially important roles in overweight-related inflammation.

Targeting the gut-lung microbiota axis by means of a high-fibre diet and probiotics may have anti-inflammatory effects in COVID-19 infection

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 1 is a 2019 novel coronavirus, which only in the European area has led to more than 300,000 cases with at least 21,000 deaths. This manuscript aims to speculate that the manipulation of the microbial patterns through the use of probiotics and dietary fibers consumption may contribute to reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system response in COVID-19 infection. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

High dietary inflammatory index scores are associated with an elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a case-control study

Chronic inflammation and diet play crucial roles in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); yet the association between dietary inflammatory potential and risk of HCC has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to examine whether a higher dietary inflammatory index (DII®) score (indicating a pro-inflammatory diet) is associated with an increased risk of HCC in a matched case-control study conducted between September 2013 and October 2017 in South China. A total of 659 cases with newly diagnosed, previously untreated HCC and 659 controls individually matched on age (±3 years) and sex were included in this study. DII scores were computed based on dietary intake information collected via a validated 79-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during the one year prior to diagnosis (for the cases) or interview (for the controls). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the DII score and the risk of HCC, adjusted for age, energy intake, body mass index, physical activity, marital status, education, household income, smoking status, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status. Compared with subjects in the lowest DII tertile, subjects in the highest tertile had an elevated risk of HCC (fully adjusted OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.30-7.98, P-trend = 0.009). In stratified analyses, a significantly positive association was observed only in men, individuals with lower education level, smokers and non-alcohol drinkers. In conclusion, a higher DII score, representing a more inflammatory diet, was associated with an increased risk of HCC, in men, individuals with lower education level, smokers and non-alcohol drinkers.

Developmental trajectories of body mass index from childhood into late adolescence and subsequent late adolescence-young adulthood cardiometabolic risk markers

Background

Reports on body mass index (BMI) trajectories from childhood into late adolescence, their determinants, and subsequent cardiometabolic risk markers, particularly among European populations have been few. Moreover, sex-specific investigation is necessary considering the sex difference in BMI, and the sex-specific association between BMI and some cardiometabolic risk markers.

Methods

Using a sample from the DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed study, we explored sex-specific trajectories of the BMI standard deviation score (SDS) from 4 to 18 years of age in 354 males and 335 females by latent (class) growth models. The determinants of trajectory were assessed by logistic regression. We identified cardiometabolic risk markers that were highly associated with BMI SDS trajectory by random forest regression, and finally we used generalized linear models to investigate differences in the identified cardiometabolic risk markers between pairs of trajectories.

Results

We observed four: ‘low-normal weight’, ‘mid-normal weight’, ‘high-normal weight’, and ‘overweight’, and three: ‘‘low-normal weight’, ‘mid-normal weight’, and ‘high-normal weight’ trajectories in males and females, respectively. Higher maternal prepregnancy BMI was associated with the ‘overweight’ trajectory, and with ‘high-normal weight’ trajectory in both sexes. In addition, employed mothers and first-born status were associated with ‘high-normal weight’ trajectory in females. BMI SDS trajectory was associated with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in males, and diastolic blood pressure and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in females. However, only males following the ‘overweight’ trajectory had significantly higher IL-18 when compared to their ‘low-normal weight’ counterpart.

Conclusions

We identified sex-specific distinct trajectories of BMI SDS from childhood into late adolescence, higher maternal prepregnancy BMI as a common determinant of the ‘high-normal weight’ and ‘overweight’ trajectories, and ‘overweight’ trajectory being associated with elevated IL-18 in late adolescence–young adulthood. This study emphasizes the role of maternal prepregnancy BMI in overweight, and highlights IL-18 as a cardiometabolic signature of overweight across life.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12933-019-0813-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diet Quality and Nutrient Intake of Urban Overweight and Obese Primarily African American Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

Diet quality may be a unique target for preventing and managing obesity-related osteoarthritis (OA). Using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), this study examined the nutrient intake and diet quality of 400 urban overweight and obese primarily African American older adults with self-reported lower extremity OA. Associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors and diet quality were explored. Participants (mean age 67.8 years, SD 5.9) were included. Habitual dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Nutrient intake and diet quality were calculated from the FFQ. Results indicated that diet quality needs improvement (HEI-2010: 66.3 (SD 10.5)). Age, body mass index, employment (multivariable model only), and OA severity (bivariate model only) were significant predictors of HEI-2010 total score in linear models. Mean intakes for fiber, calcium, and vitamin D were below recommendations, while percentage of calories as total fat exceeded recommendations. These findings can inform future dietary intervention trials and public health messaging for a sub-population at a high risk for obesity-related OA.

Dietary Pattern and Macronutrients Profile on the Variation of Inflammatory Biomarkers: Scientific Update

It is known that the dietary pattern and macronutrients profile may influence the expression and secretion of inflammatory biomarkers, and the low-grade inflammation is associated with the manifestation of noncommunicable chronic diseases. Therefore, this review aimed to present and discuss the role of dietary patterns and macronutrients on the variation of inflammatory markers related to NCD risk. Scientific evidences within the last five years based on clinical trials, case-controls, cohorts, and cross-sectional studies indicate that normocaloric, carbohydrate-moderated, low-glycemic index, protein-moderated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich, omega-3, and low-saturated fat diets display positive effects on the inflammatory state, both in healthy individuals and in those with cardiovascular risk, although the second group seems to benefit more from changes in the dietary profile.

Added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, dietary carbohydrate index and depression risk in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Project

The association between added sugars or sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and the risk of depression, as well as the role of carbohydrate quality in depression risk, remains unclear. Among 15 546 Spanish university graduates from the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) prospective cohort study, diet was assessed with a validated 136-item semi-quantitative FFQ at baseline and at 10-year follow-up. Cumulative average consumption of added sugars, sweetened drinks and an overall carbohydrate quality index (CQI) were calculated. A better CQI was associated with higher whole-grain consumption and fibre intake and lower glycaemic index and consumption of solid (instead of liquid) carbohydrates. Clinical diagnoses of depression during follow-up were classified as incident cases. Multivariable time-dependent Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of depression according to consumption of added sugars, sweetened drinks and CQI. We observed 769 incident cases of depression. Participants in the highest quartile of added sugars consumption showed a significant increment in the risk of depression (HR=1·35; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·67, P=0·034), whereas those in the highest quartile of CQI (upper quartile of the CQI) showed a relative risk reduction of 30 % compared with those in the lowest quartile of the CQI (HR=0·70; 95 % CI 0·56, 0·88). No significant association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and depression risk was found. Higher added sugars and lower quality of carbohydrate consumption were associated with depression risk in the SUN Cohort. Further studies are necessary to confirm the reported results.

Carbohydrates from Sources with a Higher Glycemic Index during Adolescence: Is Evening Rather than Morning Intake Relevant for Risk Markers of Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adulthood?

Background: This study investigated whether glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load (GL) of morning or evening intake and morning or evening carbohydrate intake from low- or higher-GI food sources (low-GI-CHO, higher-GI-CHO) during adolescence are relevant for risk markers of type 2 diabetes in young adulthood. Methods: Analyses included DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) study participants who had provided at least two 3-day weighed dietary records (median: 7 records) during adolescence and one blood sample in young adulthood. Using multivariable linear regression analyses, estimated morning and evening GI, GL, low-GI-CHO (GI < 55) and higher-GI-CHO (GI ≥ 55) were related to insulin sensitivity (N = 252), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), fatty liver index (FLI) (both N = 253), and a pro-inflammatory-score (N = 249). Results: Morning intakes during adolescence were not associated with any of the adult risk markers. A higher evening GI during adolescence was related to an increased HSI in young adulthood (p = 0.003). A higher consumption of higher-GI-CHO in the evening was associated with lower insulin sensitivity (p = 0.046) and an increased HSI (p = 0.006), while a higher evening intake of low-GI-CHO was related to a lower HSI (p = 0.009). Evening intakes were not related to FLI or the pro-inflammatory-score (all p > 0.1). Conclusion: Avoidance of large amounts of carbohydrates from higher-GI sources in the evening should be considered in preventive strategies to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood.

The Effect of Dietary Glycemic Properties on Markers of Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Body Composition in Postmenopausal American Women: An Ancillary Study from a Multicenter Protein Supplementation Trial

Controversy exists as to whether high glycemic index/glycemic load (GI/GL) diets increase the risk of chronic inflammation, which has been postulated as a pathogenic intermediary between such diets and age-related alterations in body composition and insulin resistance. We conducted an ancillary study to a randomized, double-blind trial comparing the effects of a whey protein supplement (PRO, n = 38) and a maltodextrin supplement (CHO, n = 46) on bone density to evaluate the impact of a calibrated increase in GI/GL on inflammation, insulin resistance, and body composition in a healthy aging population. Markers of inflammation, HOMA, body composition, and GI/GL (estimated from 3-day food records) were assessed at baseline and 18 months. By 18 months, the GL in the CHO group increased by 34%, 88.4 ± 5.2 → 118.5 ± 4.9 and did not change in the PRO group, 86.5 ± 4.1 → 82.0 ± 3.6 (p < 0.0001). Despite this change there were no differences in serum CRP, IL-6, or HOMA at 18 months between the two groups, nor were there significant associations between GL and inflammatory markers. However, trunk lean mass (p = 0.0375) and total lean mass (p = 0.038) were higher in the PRO group compared to the CHO group at 18 months There were also significant associations for GL and change in total fat mass (r = 0.3, p = 0.01), change in BMI (r = 0.3, p = 0.005), and change in the lean-to-fat mass ratio (r = −0.3, p = 0.002). Our data suggest that as dietary GL increases within the moderate range, there is no detectable change in markers of inflammation or insulin resistance, despite which there is a negative effect on body composition.

Obesity induction in hamster that mimics the human clinical condition

Although obesity is well established in hamsters, studies using diets with high levels of simple carbohydrate associated with lipids are necessary to assess the impact of this type of food in the body. In this study a high sugar and butter diet (HSB) and high temperature were employed towards this end. Obesity was successfully induced at a temperature of 30.3°C to 30.9°C after 38 days feeding the animals an HSB diet. It was shown that although diet is important for the induction of obesity, temperature is also essential because at a temperature slightly below the one required, obesity was not induced, even when the animals were fed for a longer period (150 days).The obese clinical condition was accompanied by biochemical and hematological changes, as increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increased leukocyte numbers, similar to alterations observed in obese humans. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that increasing the intake of simple carbohydrates associated with lipids provided evidence of inflammation in obese animals.

Whole-grain consumption and the risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Results of the relationships between dietary whole-grain consumption and the risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer-specific mortality are mixed. We summarised the evidence based on a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Pertinent studies were identified by searching articles in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to 20 January 2016 and by reviewing the reference lists of the retrieved articles. Random-effects models were used to calculate summary relative risks (SRR) and 95 % CI. In all, eleven prospective studies (ten publications) were included in the meta-analysis. There were a total of 816 599 subjects and 89 251 cases of all-cause mortality. On the basis of the highest v. the lowest categories of intake, whole grains may be associated with a lower risk of mortality from all causes (SRR 0·87; 95 % CI 0·84, 0·90), CVD (SRR 0·81; 95 % CI 0·75, 0·89) and all cancers (SRR 0·89; 95 % CI 0·82, 0·96). For each 3 servings/d increase in whole-grain intake, there was a 19 % reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality (SRR 0·81; 95 % CI 0·76, 0·85), a 26 % reduction in CVD mortality (SRR 0·74; 95 % CI 0·66, 0·83) and a 9 % reduction in cancer mortality (SRR 0·91; 95 % CI 0·84, 0·98). The current meta-analysis provides some evidence that high intake of whole grains was inversely associated with the risk of all-cause, CVD and cancer-specific mortality. Further well-designed studies, including clinical trials and in different populations, are required to confirm our findings.

Inclusion of ancient Latin-American crops in bread formulation improves intestinal iron absorption and modulates inflammatory markers

This study compares iron (Fe) absorption in Fe-deficient animals from bread formulations prepared by substitution of white wheat flour (WB) by whole wheat flour (WWB), amaranth flour (Amaranthus hypochondriacus, 25%) (AB) and quinoa flour (Chenopodium quinoa, 25%) (QB), or chia flour (Salvia hispanica L, 5%) (ChB).

Glycemic index, glycemic load and glycemic response: An International Scientific Consensus Summit from the International Carbohydrate Quality Consortium (ICQC)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The positive and negative health effects of dietary carbohydrates are of interest to both researchers and consumers.

METHODS

International experts on carbohydrate research held a scientific summit in Stresa, Italy, in June 2013 to discuss controversies surrounding the utility of the glycemic index (GI), glycemic load (GL) and glycemic response (GR).

RESULTS

The outcome was a scientific consensus statement which recognized the importance of postprandial glycemia in overall health, and the GI as a valid and reproducible method of classifying carbohydrate foods for this purpose. There was consensus that diets low in GI and GL were relevant to the prevention and management of diabetes and coronary heart disease, and probably obesity. Moderate to weak associations were observed for selected cancers. The group affirmed that diets low in GI and GL should always be considered in the context of diets otherwise understood as healthy, complementing additional ways of characterizing carbohydrate foods, such as fiber and whole grain content. Diets of low GI and GL were considered particularly important in individuals with insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes worldwide and the consistency of the scientific evidence reviewed, the expert panel confirmed an urgent need to communicate information on GI and GL to the general public and health professionals, through channels such as national dietary guidelines, food composition tables and food labels.

Consumption of sugar sweetened beverage is associated with incidence of metabolic syndrome in Tehranian children and adolescents

Background

Intakes of high sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in adults can escalate risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, data of longitudinal studies in children and adolescents are lacking. In this study we assessed consumption of SSBs in relation to incidence of MetS among children and adolescents during a 3.6 year follow-up.

Methods

This study was a population-based longitudinal study, in which 424 subjects, aged 6–18 years, from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study with complete data on dietary intake, blood pressure, anthropometry, and biochemical indices were followed for 3.6 years. Dietary intake was collected using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire. MetS was defined according to the Cook criteria. Sugar sweetened beverages included all kinds of sugar sweetened carbonated soft drinks (SSSDs) and fruit juice drinks.

Results

Average daily intakes of SSSD and fruit juice drinks were 38.5 ± 75.0 and 32.3 ± 60.1 g, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, compared to the first quartile, the odds ratio of incident MetS in the highest quartile of SSB and SSSD was 3.20 (95 % CI: 1.06–9.90) and 3.01 (95 % CI: 1.17–7.74), respectively. Regarding incidence of MetS components, compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of SSSDs showed odds ratios of 2.49 (95 % CI: 1.00–6.53) for abdominal obesity and 2.79 (95 % CI: 1.02–7.64) for hypertension. No significant association was found between consumption of fruit juice drink and SSSD with other components of MetS.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with high intakes of carbonated beverages could be at increased risk of MetS, abdominal obesity, and hypertension.

Diet-related inflammation and oesophageal cancer by histological type: a nationwide case-control study in Sweden

PURPOSE

This project sought to test the role of diet-related inflammation in modulating the risk of oesophageal cancer.

METHODS

A nationwide population-based case-control study was conducted from 1 December 1994 through 31 December 1997 in Sweden. All newly diagnosed patients with adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus or gastroesophageal junction and a randomly selected half of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were eligible as cases. Using the Swedish Registry of the Total Population, the control group was randomly selected from the entire Swedish population and frequency-matched on age (within 10 years) and sex. The literature-derived dietary inflammatory index (DII) was developed to describe the inflammatory potential of diet. DII scores were computed based on a food frequency questionnaire. Higher DII scores indicate more pro-inflammatory diets. Odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were computed to assess risk associated between DII scores and oesophageal cancer using logistic regression adjusted by potential confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 189 oesophageal adenocarcinomas, 262 gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinomas, 167 oesophageal squamous cell carcinomas, and 820 control subjects were recruited into the study. Significant associations with DII were observed for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ORQuartile4vs1 4.35, 95 % CI 2.24, 8.43), oesophageal adenocarcinoma (ORQuartile4vs1 3.59, 95 % CI 1.87, 6.89), and gastroesophageal junctional adenocarcinoma (ORQuartile4vs1 2.04, 95 % CI 1.24, 3.36). Significant trends across quartiles of DII were observed for all subtypes of oesophageal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Diet-related inflammation appears to be associated with an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, regardless of histological type.

Adesão aos "10 passos da alimentação saudável para crianças" e fatores associados em escolares

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de adesão aos "10 Passos da Alimentação Saudável para Crianças" e fatores associados em escolares. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 813 escolares do 1º ano das Escolas Municipais de Ensino Fundamental de São Leopoldo (RS). Os dados foram obtidos das mães/responsáveis por meio de um questionário com questões sobre alimen-tação, atividade física, tempo de tela e características sociodemográficas. O critério de adesão a cada passo foi definido pelos pesquisadores. As associações foram analisadas por meio do teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e de tendência linear. RESULTADOS: O número médio de passos atingido foi 3,9, e nenhum escolar aderiu a todos os passos. O Passo 4 (consumir feijão com arroz no mínimo cinco vezes/semana) apresentou maior frequência de adesão (99,8%), e aqueles que envolvem medidas restritivas, como evitar alimentos gordurosos/frituras (Passo 6) e guloseimas (Passo 7), foram os menos frequentemente atingidos, respectivamente, 2,1 e 0,0%. O Passo 10 (ser ativo e ter tempo de tela <2 horas/dia) também apresentou baixa adesão (14,5%). Maior escolaridade materna e melhor nível econômico associou-se positivamente com o Passo 5 (consumo diário de grupo do leite e das carnes), o contrário sendo observado para o Passo 2 (incluir diariamente cereais, tubérculos e raízes nas refeições) e para o Passo 10. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo revelou um cenário desfavorável, que indica a necessidade de ações de diferentes atores (governo, produtores, escola e família) para aumentar a frequência de adesão aos 10 Passos pelos escolares.